Tobacco usage and control: information and advice for primary dental care practitioners

Ten years on from the white paper Smoking Kills, the UK is a leader on tackling tobacco within Europe. However, over 100,000 people die each year in the UK as a result of the effects of smoking; the most common form of tobacco use.Tobacco cessation is, moreover, a global issue with wide variation in tobacco usage, multiple determinants and numerous approaches to prevention. This article provides an overview of the trends in tobacco usage and control in the UK compared with other nations, to bring the process into context for primary dental practitioners. Guidance is also provided on appropriate smoking interventions in dental practice that support national health targets and population health.

Within dentistry, clear links exist between tobacco and health (both general and oral). Oral health care professionals routinely come into contact with members of the public and can contribute to tobacco control programmes through a range of public health interventions.